"You'd go in … if the guy wasn't injured, he'd come up the hoist by himself. If he was injured, the PJ would go down and get him, pick him up, and everybody lived happily ever after. If it was opposed, they … had to beat down the enemy before you'd commit the helicopters."
Description of Interview:
Jim Loomis enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1960, and received his commission as an officer in 1965 through OCS after he decided to become a helicopter rescue pilot. He describes his commitment to the mission of rescuing downed pilots even though he was not entirely in favor of the Vietnam War overall, the rigorous training for pararescue and combat flying, and the dangers of helicopter traps and nighttime flying over the open seas. He tells of Air Force ingenuity in developing in-flight refueling for the Jolly Green Giants, which massively increased their range, speaks glowingly of the Air Force PJs, and recalls the story of Boxer 22, the biggest rescue operation of the Vietnam War.
Key Words: Floyd Bennett Field, LORAN, Coasties, H-52 helicopter, Albatross seaplane, CH-3 helicopter, SERE school, E&E, Negritos, Jolly Green Giants, A-1E Skyraiders, pararescue, PJs, SEALs with wheels, hack, helicopter traps, unopposed save, Boxer 22, Mu Gia Pass, high bird, low bird, cumshaw, A Shau Valley, in-flight refueling, H-53, Air Station Brooklyn, New York
Key People: Lieutenant Jack Rittichier, Rob Richie, Charlie Bond, Lance Egan
Unit:
37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, the “Jolly Green Giants”
Read the Complete Transcript of this Interview.